EARTH

The diverse landscape includes Cypress Provincial Park to the north and Capilano River Regional Park to the east. Approximately 415 hectares make up the 110 parks designated for recreational use. Connecting the shoreline with urban areas and forests are over 100km of enticing trails and paths. Environmental protection and sustainability are cornerstones of West Vancouver’s heritage and character. Walking, cycling, running, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, skating and camping are just a few of the most popular on-land outdoor activities. A public skating rink, basketball and tennis courts, and skateboard parks serve a multitude of additional interests in the community.

Three dazzling golf courses, two public and one private, attract golfers from amateur, family to pro to test their skills on West Van’s scenic and challenging terrain. For families and casual golfers, Ambleside Par 3 Golf is a charming eighteen-hole pitch n’ putt, right on Waterfront at nearly Ambleside. Also managed by the District of West Vancouver, Gleneagles Golf Course is a challenging 9-hole, par 35, facility offering a proshop and practice greens. At the top end, Capilano Golf and Country Club is one of Canada’s premier private golf clubs, celebrated for its natural West Vancouver scenery, world-class course and facilities.

SKY

The mountains of West Vancouver appear to rise directly from the shore, as though the ski hills are designed to kiss the sky. At your doorstep, West Vancouver’s Cypress Mountain in Cypress Provincial Park, an official freestyle skiing and snowboard venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, offers some of the best winter skiing and riding in BC. Cypress features Canada’s most loved cross country ski trails, along with snowshoeing tours and snow tubing. Skiers, riders and sliders enjoy Cypress’ vertical drop, 51 downhill runs, challenging terrain, abundant lifts and ample snow conditions on what is the highest skiing and riding peak of Vancouver’s legendary North Shore Mountains, not to mention some of the best views of downtown Vancouver, English Bay, Georgia Strait and Howe Sound.

Nearby, Mt Seymour also features magnificent views from its breathtaking snow-capped peaks. Skiers and riders enjoy exploring the glorious terrain, hills and trails as well as catching air from this pristine playground. Grouse Mountain is another winter wonderland on the north shore offering world-class freestyle terrain, 26 runs and excellent gentle to pro conditions for snowboarding and skiing at every level. The skyride, snowshoeing, ice skating, snow limo, helicopters tours, theatre in the sky and sky-high restaurant Altitudes Bistro, make Grouse a wonderful getaway. And just a few hours further north, home to 2010 Winter Olympics; Whistler Resort offers international-level snow sports and facilities along with a happening Nordic village vibe.

WATER

Not surprisingly, West Vancouver is a water lover’s paradise. In addition to the abundance of municipal green spaces, and open gathering places, the District has the most waterfront parks per capita in all of the Lower Mainland.

Akin to a giant natural ocean park, the waters from Lion’s Gate Bridge through to Howe Sound provide visitors, Vancouverites and North Shore residents with nearly unlimited marine pleasures. Beach strolling, sailing, cruising, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, wind surfing and swimming are some of the varied water activities.

For those with an adventurous love of what’s underneath, Whytecliff Park is recognized as one of the best scuba diving spots in Western Canada. And for those who prefer the indoors, especially in the cooler seasons, West Vancouver’s award-winning Aquatic Centre, recognized for excellence in design and accessibility, offers open swims and various aquatic programs.

SPIRIT

With endless activities to activate the body, West Vancouver also manages to soothe the soul and has become a hotbed for healthy living, arts and culture. The district was designated as one of the Cultural Capitals of Canada in 2006 by the Canadian Heritage Ministry. The designation came with an award of $500,000 used to celebrate and build a lasting legacy for arts and culture in the area.

Literature buffs love the warm and inviting public library, boasting the largest circulation per capita of any library in the province. A collection of public and private museums and galleries also beckon, along with seasonal arts and crafts shows, theatre, concerts, and popular festivals such as The Harmony Arts Festival.

Well-appointed community facilities and programs are offered at Gleneagles Community Centre and the West Vancouver Aquatic Centre, serving people of all ages and through different phases of health. Wellness programs include fitness, yoga, Pilates, gymnastics.

An impressive public art collection weaves its way throughout the public spaces of West Vancouver engaging and delighting residents and visitors alike. Close to Evelyn at Ambleside, The Ferry Building Gallery is a public space operated by West Vancouver Cultural Services featuring stimulating juried exhibits of emerging and established artists of the North Shore. The Gallery also offers art lectures and tours, art classes and demos.

Printable version of Site Plan, above (205k PDF)

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